Sudan’s cabinet votes to repeal Israel boycott law | Al Jazeera

Sudan’s cabinet has approved a bill abolishing a 1958 law on boycotting Israel in the latest development in relations between the two sides.

The move still needs the approval of a joint meeting of Sudan’s Sovereign Council and cabinet, which serves as Sudan’s interim legislative body, to come into effect, the cabinet said.

While Sudan’s civilian authorities have maintained that the decision to initiate relations with Israel would be left to the yet-to-be-formed transitional parliament, Tuesday’s vote is seen as a step that could pave the way for official visits and further diplomatic ties.

“The council of ministers approved a bill repealing the 1958 boycott of Israel law,” the cabinet said in a statement.

The statement also emphasised “Sudan’s firm position on the establishment of a Palestinian state within the framework of a two-state solution”.

The 1958 law was in line with the policies of Arab nations at the time towards Israel.

Penalties for those who violated its stipulations, such as trading with Israelis, included up to 10 years in jail and a hefty fine. But the political landscape has changed as Sudan, along with Gulf countries and Morocco, have built bridges with Israel in deals mediated by the administration of former US President Donald Trump.